Newman Going Strong

I don’t think I read a single Bengals draft preview this year that did not include a mention of Terence Newman’s age.

As the Todd McKipers of the world accurately predicted, Cincinnati used its first round pick on a cornerback (Darqueze Dennard) because Newman and Adam Jones are in their 30s and Leon Hall is coming back from his second torn Achilles in three years.

But even though Newman will turn 36 three days before the season opener at Baltimore, the Bengals are counting on him to be one of their top corners in 2014.

“We timed them this offseason in a 20-yard dash and he was, like, second on the team,” said defensive backs coach Vance Joseph. “He can still run and with his experience at corner – that’s going to make him a solid player again this year.”

“I think I was lucky the couple of days that we did that test,” said Newman with a smile. “I just worked in the offseason and tried to get my legs stronger. I had a little issue with my patella last year and obviously the MCL so I got that corrected and I started to feel good. Coming to work every day when you have guys that are 21 or 22 – it’s a challenge in itself to try to hang with these guys. I think I’m doing pretty good.”

The MCL injury forced Newman to miss the final four games of another good season. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Terence ranked 24th among NFL cornerbacks who were on the field for at least 60% of their team’s snaps last year. By PFF’s numbers, Newman finished ahead of Pro Bowlers Tim Jennings (35th), Brandon Flowers (50th), and Antonio Cromartie (56th).

“He’s got incredible athleticism and intelligence and he’s a kid at heart,” said Marvin Lewis. “He’s just been a marvel and he’s a great asset to this football team on and off the field.”

“I love this game,” said Newman. “This is something that I feel privileged to come out and do every day. Knowing people from the outside world that have 9-to-5 jobs and work in corporate America – they would love to be in the position that we’re in. A lot of times you have conversations with people and they just want to talk about football. They tell you, ‘I played in high school but I just wasn’t big enough’ or ‘I wasn’t this or that.’ Well, either was I. I wasn’t the biggest or strongest guy, but I could run. I’ve tried to perfect my craft and I’m still trying to.”

That was evident at the Bengals practice on Tuesday as Newman enthusiastically worked with the first team on defense and frequently lined-up against A.J. Green.

“To me that’s the challenge,” Newman told me. “You’re constantly being tested by younger players and guys that are bigger, stronger, faster. To me that’s kind of like a whole ‘nother game. I have to play the game at practice every week and then play the games on Sunday.

“There was a period of time where my body was breaking down. In retrospect, I probably should have taken a little time off. Maybe taken a few less reps – but I just wanted to be out there all of the time. That wears your body down. Now the coaches are forcing me out here, and that’s helping to preserve my body.”

“He’s obviously an exceptional athlete with great experience and he’s an easy guy to coach,” said Joseph. “Most guys in their 30s don’t want to be coached any longer, but he wants to be coached and wants to be corrected. That’s fun to be around.”

The two-time Pro Bowler is entering the final season of a 2-year, $5 million contract, but his 12th NFL campaign won’t necessarily be his last.

“Darrell Green did it until he was 40 right? (actually 42)” said Newman. “The defensive coordinator at K-State (Tom Hayes) got him when I think he was 36 and said he was still a heck of a player. I just want to see how far these wheels take me.”

About Me

I began writing this blog when I was a broadcaster for the Pawtucket Red Sox before leaving the team at the end of the 2011 season to become the radio voice of the Cincinnati Bengals. I am also the radio play-by-play announcer for University of Cincinnati football and basketball. Thanks to all of you who began reading this blog for content about Red Sox prospects. I will always cherish my time with the PawSox.
I still plan to write about baseball and will post all of my blog entries about the Bengals and Bearcats on this blog as well. I welcome your questions and/or comments at Dan.Hoard@Bengals.NFL.Net